Special Educational Needs
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-16
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Frankie Feighan (FG), Sligo-Leitrim

The Deputy wants the best possible outcome. That is what we all want. In relation to the WALK peer model specifically, the Deputy wants more funding. I will bring her views back to the Minister.
The provision of transition supports for students in school is a key priority for the Government and the Department. As I outlined, there is a commitment, as the Deputy said, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. The first programme plan of action 2025 will see the work within the Government and with others to improve retention rates and progression for disabled children and young people as they deal with transitions within education. Both pilot programmes have identified the need for a transition support model for students with a disability and recognise the importance of interagency collaboration. Both programmes have been welcomed by participant schools and widely considered as hugely beneficial to the sector. The provision of time and staffing to schools has afforded them the opportunity to work directly with the students in their final years in school to develop individualised transition plans. Reports from schools suggest that a dedicated transition planning programme relates directly to better outcomes for students. The new transition programme will build on the pilots and should be seen as a first step in providing transition support to students in special schools.
Again, I thank the Deputy for raising this issues. I will bring her concerns, ideas and views back to the Minister.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-16